Dry Stone Walling Competition
The Dry Stone Walling Competition has been an annual Snowdonia Society event for over twenty years.
The 2012 competition took place on 17th June at Hafod y Llan farm, as part of the nationwide Open Farm Sunday initiative.
Youngsters win the day at stone walling competition
Vistors to the Open Farm Sunday event at Hafod y Llan farm in Nant Gwynant on 17th June were treated to the sight of an ancient stone wall being dismantled and rebuilt in the space of a few hours in the annual Snowdonia Society Dry Stone Walling competition. Although wet underfoot from previous heavy rain competitors and spectators were blessed with dry weather and even some sunshine.
Traditional crafts such as dry stone walling can sometimes fail to inspire young people as a career direction, so what a surprise when over half the competitors this year were youngsters! Nine of the young people who competed are year 10 pupils at Ysgol Botwnnog, the school having arranged for them to attend the competition.
Geraint Hughes the deputy at Ysgol Botwnnog came with the youngsters and explained why giving young people an opportunity to develop vocational skills such as dry stone walling was important, “It gives them an interest outside of traditional school activities, a chance to work as a team and an important connection with the world of work and the local community. And apart from anything else it is good fun and very good exercise!”
Frances Smith of the Society said, “We would really like to thank Dilwyn Williams, who has been teaching these young people, for inspiring them to compete and arranging transport for them.”
Judges Bill Noble (from Yorkshire) and Karl Roebuck (from Amlwch) had their work cut out for them with closely matched competitors in each section. A final decision awarded the first prize in the professional section to master craftsman Iolo Jones of Deiniolen, who also won in 2010 and 2009. Last year’s winner Brian Evans, Corwen was awarded second prize, while Ioan Doyle, Deiniolen came third.
Winners of the other sections were: Semi-professional - 1st Geralld Williams, Llanllechid; 2nd Trygar Davies, Llangernyw; 3rd Andrew Atkins, Clynnog Fawr; Amateur: 1st Rafe Osborn, Llanddeiniolen; 2nd Chris Johnson, Mold; Beginner: Bedwyr Roberts, Y Bala; 2nd Ifan Vaughan Thomas, Rhiw; 3rd Ioan Jones, Madryn, Pwllheli.
The Snowdonia Society would like to congratulate and thank everyone who took part. The competition was supported and hosted by the National Trust and could not have taken place without their invaluable help, or without the support of North Wales Dry Stone Walling Association who provided judges and essential guidance.
The competition had the generous sponsorship of the Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust. Esmé Kirby founded the Snowdonia Society and was the driving force behind the early years of the competition, being a strong supporter of traditional heritage and skills.
Email us to find out about our training and taster days, or check our Events page.
The North Wales Dry Stone Walling Association also arrange taster days and training. See their 2013 schedule.
Contact 01286 871275 or sean@stonewaller.freeserve.co.uk).